Spanish word

atascar

Pronunciation

IPA/atasˈkaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbclog

Example

No atasques la tubería con aceite.

Do not clog the pipe with oil.

Illustration for atascar (clog)

More examples

Si tiras aceite por el fregadero, puedes atascar el desagüe.

If you pour oil down the sink, you can clog the drain.

Core concept

Traffic slowed by a road blockage.

Common phrases

  • atascar el desagüe

    clog the drain

  • atascar la tubería

    clog the pipe

  • atascar el fregadero

    clog the sink

Similar words

taponar: A plug or packing blocks a hole or pipe interior, stopping internal flow.
tapar: A cover seals an opening or mouth, preventing things or flow from passing through.
atorar: An object lodges in a mechanism and prevents its parts from moving.
bloquear: An obstacle blocks a road, channel, or passage and prevents passage or operation.

Definition in Spanish

Obstruir el paso o el funcionamiento de algo, provocando que deje de circular o funcionar; se usa tanto para objetos (tuberías, impresoras) como para procesos (trabajo, pensamiento).

Word origin

Formed by adding -ar to the noun atasco 'blockage', the verb means to cause or experience a stoppage in pipes, devices, or ongoing activities.

Usage tips

  • Atascar commonly takes a direct object (atascar la tubería) to mean 'clog' and uses the reflexive form atascarse when the thing becomes stuck.

Other meanings

  • get stuckverb
  • blockverb
  • jamverb

Opposites

  • desatascarunclogverb
  • desobstruirunblockverb

Related words

  • atascoblockagenoun
  • atascadoblockedadjective
  • atascamientocongestionnoun

Word lists with this word